US Treasury Secretary Scott Basant has accused India, Russia, and China of pursuing their interests through a new alliance. This is a common occurrence at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), as Basant claimed in a Fox News interview.
During the interview, Basant dismissed concerns about recent meetings involving India's PM Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, claiming such gatherings at SCO are mere show. He labeled China, India, and Russia as 'bad actors.'
'India and China Fueling Russian Conflict'
The Treasury Secretary emphasized, 'India is the world's most populous democracy and its values are much closer to ours and China's than to Russia's.' However, he labeled both India and China as problematic, adding, 'These actors empower Russia's conflict apparatus. There will come a time when we and our allied nations will step forward and take decisive actions against them.'
'India-US Will Find Solutions'
On bilateral relations, he highlighted the solid foundation between the US and India, asserting that both democracies can resolve their differences effectively. He stated, 'Together, these two great nations will solve the issue.'
Basant heavily criticized India's import of Russian oil, stating, 'By purchasing and selling Russian oil as refined products, India is indirectly furthering the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This is unacceptable.'
He also cited the slow progress in US-India trade talks as a key reason behind the US increasing tariffs on Indian goods. He suggested that everything could be resolved through negotiations, especially as the Trump administration considers imposing further sanctions on Russia due to Ukraine's escalating conflict.
India's Zero Tariff Offer: Trump's Claim
Previously, President Trump labeled trade with India as a one-sided disaster, blaming high Indian tariffs for hindering US product sales in India.
He stated, 'India sells significant amounts to us, but we sell very little to them due to high tariffs—some of the highest worldwide. This has been a one-sided relationship for decades.'
Trump claimed that India has now proposed zero tariffs, raising hopes for a potential trade agreement between the two countries.
Recently the US imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods, followed by an additional 25% after India rejected demands to reduce its trade with Russia. The total tariff now stands at 50%.
